Hybrid luminescent porous silicon for efficient drug loading and release

In the recent decade, the biocompatibility and light emitting porous silicon (pSi) showed the possibility to use it for biomedical applications. Unfortunately, Until now the biological applications of light-emitting porous silicon (pSi) have been severely limited due the immediate surface oxidation of this nanostructured material, followed by loss of optical properties and degradation in aqueous solutions. Second, in view of drug delivery, the red-ox activity of pSi damages the carried drug. Herein, we have investigated the stabilization of pSi microparticles in aqueous solution by covalent attachment of polymers to a-short-chain organic coating grafted on inorganic silicon. The morphological, chemical and optical stability obtained using polyethylene glycol confirm this biocompatible polymer as superior shell matrix of nanostructures to be used in biological environments.